Rossides Leaves Synovate, Thompson Steps Up

Synovate has announced the departure of its CEO for Central / Eastern Europe and the Middle East (CEEME), Nicos Rossides, after 25 years with the company and its predecessors. His replacement is Kurt Thompson, previously MD of Synovate Korea.

Rossides, who will be leaving the company on 14 September, says he felt it was 'the right time to seek new challenges' but that he was 'very proud' of his contribution. He has played a key role in building the firm's Loyalty Practice.

Thompson, who will now move to Nicosia, Cyprus, has more than doubled the group's revenues in Korea in the past five years. He was previously MD in the Philippines, having started his research career at TNS in London in 1992, then moved to Asia Market Intelligence (later acquired by Synovate) in 1996.

Synovate Global CEO Adrian Chedore says Thompson is taking charge of fast-changing markets promising great potential and has 'proven leadership ability and strong commercial skills.' Of Rossides he says, 'Nicos did a phenomenal job in establishing our operations in Central and Eastern Europe and consolidating our leading position in the Middle East. He leaves a legacy of strong teams in those markets that are well positioned to take advantage of the terrific opportunities ahead.'

Thompson says his priority will be 'to further invest in the people and resources necessary to help our clients make the most of the exciting business opportunities in this part of the world.'


Meanwhile Synovate parent Aegis Group plc has appointed Nigel Roberts as Director of Corporate Finance. Roberts joins from MyTravel Group plc where he held the same job title, and has 20 years' experience of finance operations, most of it in treasury roles. Previous jobs include Group Treasurer at ntl, Treasurer of Cable & Wireless Communications, and Deputy General Manager, Treasury at Cable & Wireless. He has also held treasury positions at BET, WPP and Sedgwick Group.

CFO Alicja Lesniak says the appointment reflects 'an increasing focus on our capital structure, working capital management, and structuring acquisition financing.'

Web sites are at www.synovate.com and www.aegisplc.com.